There are a variety of ways to obtain $ for college.  In addition to saving and planning ahead, there are need based scholarships, merit based scholarships (based on grades and SAT/ACT scores), special talent scholarships, athletic scholarships, scholarships for community service, and scholarships offered by outside organizations that require an application, usually in your senior year of high school.  Many colleges provide a financial aid calculator on their website to estimate what the financial aid package will be based on your financial profile.  A financial aid package usually includes a combination of grants, scholarships, work study and loans.  Contact colleges to obtain information on their merit scholarships and how to apply for them?

Based on you and your parent’s financial profile, the college will put together a financial aid package for you if you are admitted to the school and you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in your senior year.  In addition, some colleges require the CSS Profile along with FAFSA.  Every college has its own financial aid application deadline.  FAFSA and CSS Profile becomes available online in October of your senior year.

Usually, the financial aid package comes in the form of a:

• Grant

• Loan

• Work study

Some colleges offer merit based scholarship money to recognize a student's achievement or special talent.  These awards are given directly from the institution.  Consideration for merit award may include academic achievement (grades and test scores), extracurriculars, leadership, as well as talent based achievement such as musical ability, theater, art, and dance.  Often merit scholarships are considered by college admissions during the early application deadline in senior year. 

At some colleges, the student needs to submit a separate application and essay (or audition) to apply for this monetary award.  At other colleges, applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships when the student submits their regular application.  Please view individual college websites or reach out to the college admissions office to learn more about their merit scholarship opportunities and whether or not you need to apply for them.   Some scholarships are also available to apply for once the student has matriculated at the university.  Many merit scholarships are renewable each year based on specific criteria and guidelines. 

In the spring of your senior year, scholarships will be posted to Guidance Google Classroom for high school seniors.  The common scholarship application as well as the list of scholarships, instructions and application criteria for each scholarship will be available for all high school seniors to view and apply for using Guidance google classroom.  Visit Guidance Google classroom in the spring and apply!  Applicants will be notified and invited to Senior Awards Night.